the little nell
aspen, co
the little nell: The Little Nell has been Aspen's benchmark luxury hotel since 1989, and it holds a distinction no other property in town can claim: it's the only Five-Star, Five-Diamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain. The Fitness Center and full-service Spa anchor the wellness side, alongside an outdoor pool and hot tub, steam shower, and sauna — genuine recovery infrastructure, not an afterthought. Element 47 and Ajax Tavern handle dining at a level that's earned decades of Forbes Travel Guide recognition, backed by a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning cellar. Guest rooms and suites don't include kitchens, but the standalone Residences at The Little Nell do, with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms for longer, more independent stays.
Ski-in/ski-out access means mornings can start on the mountain with zero transition time, and the same terrain opens into serious hiking and trail running once the snow clears. The Rio Grande Trail, a flatter multi-use corridor following the old rail line along the Roaring Fork River, is nearby for easier mileage days. The hotel also runs its own guided adventures — Audi off-road tours into the surrounding peaks and float fishing trips down the Roaring Fork — for anyone who wants the outdoors handled without the planning. Between true ski-in/ski-out access and this range of guided options, it's hard to find a more direct training-to-recovery loop anywhere in Aspen.
Explore the area:
Aspen Mountain — ski-in/ski-out
Ute Trail — walkable/short drive
Rio Grande Trail — walkable
Jean-Robert's Gym — walkable
Aspen CrossFit — 210 AABC, short drive
TRAIN LOCAL
Jean-Robert's Gym — The only fitness center in downtown Aspen, a 7,000-square-foot facility with strength and cardio equipment, a lap pool, personal training, and group classes, including ski-specific strength programming. Day passes available for visitors. Walkable from the hotel — the everyday option.
Aspen CrossFit — A community-focused CrossFit box at 210 Aspen Airport Business Center, Suite N, offering group classes, ski conditioning, and personal training. Open gym access includes a Peloton bike, infrared sauna, and cold plunge. A short drive from downtown — a strong second everyday option for guests who want programmed strength training.
★ DESTINATION GYM: Aspen Mountain
True ski-in/ski-out access right from the hotel — no other Aspen property can claim it. In winter, this is the mountain itself; in summer, the same terrain opens into steep hiking and trail running directly outside the door, with the Silver Queen Gondola offering lift access for those who want the climb without the walk up.
★ DESTINATION GYM: Ute Trail
One of Aspen's classic fitness hikes — a steep, direct 3.1-mile ascent up the lower flank of Aspen Mountain, gaining more than 3,000 feet to the Sundeck at the top of the ski lifts. The trailhead starts about a half-mile from downtown, and Ute Rock, roughly a third of the way up, is a popular turnaround point for a shorter workout with sweeping valley views. Ride the gondola down for free from the summit rather than descend on tired legs
★ DESTINATION GYM: Rio Grande Trail
A 42-mile paved rail-trail following the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad corridor along the Roaring Fork River, connecting Aspen to Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. Never exceeds a 3% grade, making it ideal for easy running or cycling recovery days, with the option to ride the RFTA bus back for point-to-point trips. The trailhead starts near downtown Aspen, walkable from the hotel.